ALUN Rossiter admits he agonised over the decision to omit Chris Harris from his Great Britain squad but believes the five men he has chosen represent the best chance of delivering the nation World Cup glory.

Coventry Bees rider ‘Bomber’ Harris has been a mainstay of the national side since making his Great Britain debut more than a decade ago but will miss out on the chance to fight for a World Cup medal on home soil next weekend.

Reigning world champion Tai Woffinden will captain the side, with Rossiter also selecting newly-crowned British champion Danny King, Robert Lambert, Craig Cook and Adam Ellis in his squad. Steve Worrall is named as the stand-by rider.

As hosts, Great Britain get automatic entry into Saturday’s World Cup final at the new National Speedway Stadium in Manchester and Rossiter says it would be a dream true to win first medal in the competition since 2006 on home soil.

“It would be amazing. If we could do it, hopefully it will put a smile back on everyone’s faces in British speedway,” said Rossiter, who is also team manager of Swindon Robins in the Elite League.

“I’m more than happy with the team, I don’t think I could have chosen anybody else. The biggest decision I had and the toughest thing for me was letting Chris Harris down, I know what it means to him to put that race suit on.

“He hasn’t been riding as well as he’d like this year and I can’t take that chance – we have got a great chance to get on the podium this year.

“The five riders that I let down, their attitudes were fantastic. They were all understanding, especially Chris.

“He has never let me down but at the moment, his form doesn’t warrant it and it would be unfair on the riders who are going really good.”

Although Britain do not have to go through the rigours of qualification for the World Cup final and will benefit from having a vocal home support behind them, Rossiter does not think that will give them an edge when it comes to chasing a podium place.

The fact that the event is taking place at a venue which is less than six months old has nullified home advantage, although the GB boss has tried to counter that by including Belle Vue rider Cook in his team.

“There’s no home advantage, it’s such a new track and there are no lines,” said Rossiter. “The big foreigners will love it, absolutely love it, because it will be fast and those boys have got some fast equipment.

“Cookie rides there every week, that’s why he has got the nod, so hopefully that can make a bit of a difference for us.”

Poland have joined Great Britain in Saturday’s final after winning World Cup Event One on Saturday night.

The Poles scored 39 points to triumph in Vojens ahead of hosts Denmark, Russia and the Czech Republic.

Denmark and Russia have a second chance to qualify for the final when they go in Friday night’s race-off against the second and third-placed teams from Event Two.

Australia, featuring Jason Doyle, USA, Germany and hosts Sweden kick-off their World Cup campaign in Vastervik on Tuesday night.